The bright lights outside the window were intimidating. The long, luxurious car was intimidating. The fancy, over-priced dress on my body was intimidating. But the man next to me, dressed impeccably in a tuxedo was comforting. His arm curled around my shoulders and his breath tickled my ear as he whispered over and over how beautiful I looked.

The dress was deep, midnight blue, had a modest neckline and hung primly past my knees but it made me feel like a princess. It was more than I could ever hope to afford – I was sure – but Brendan wouldn’t tell me the price. He only told me it was a gift from his mother. At first I was embarrassed to accept such a gift but as the limo rolled to a stop, I was grateful. So many gorgeous women would be parading around in stunning gowns and I’d feel pretty stupid if I showed up in a department store Easter dress.

“Are you ready?” Brendan asked as the driver waited for him to give the word. I couldn’t speak, I could only nod. “Let’s go.”

The driver opened the door and Brendan stepped out amidst a roar from the crazed fans lining the red carpet. He offered me his hand and helped me step out of the car. I slipped my hand in the crook of his arm and walked close to him. The late February evening was surprisingly warmer than I expected – though still chilly – and much, much warmer than back home. Everything about L.A. surprised me.

“Are you okay, Dylan?” he asked as girls screamed at him to sign autographs.

“I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile on my terrified face. Was this how he lived? How could he stand it?

“Zac and Dane are up ahead. I suppose we should make nice.” I glanced at the door and spotted the other two, both looking extremely handsome in their tuxedos. I hadn’t seen either since filming ended and I honestly hadn’t missed them at all. Well, Dane was nice but Zac, not so much.

“Hey, Dylan,” Dane greeted as he pecked my cheek. “It’s nice to see you again. You look lovely.”

“Thanks. You look pretty good yourself,” I said, studiously ignoring Zac.

“Come on, Dylan, don’t be that way,” Zac pleaded. “I’m really not a jerk.”

I snorted and Brendan pressed a kiss in my hair. “If you insist.”

We followed them inside the theater and were swamped by executives and actors and other celebrities all attending the premier. I greeted those I remembered – including Sandy and Marcus. Waiters in meticulous tuxes roamed the lobby with trays of champagne. I requested a water. I was stunned pretty speechless by the massive crush of stars in the room, though I did manage to keep my eyes in my head and my mouth shut. I didn’t want to embarrass Brendan.

“When did you get in?” Dane asked as he snagged a soda from a drink table.

“I flew in this morning and I go home Sunday,” I explained, still a little put out Mom only allowed me to miss one day of school. I’d managed to make up all the work I’d missed while recuperating and had made honor roll all year.

“So, Dylan,” Zac said as he eyed the crowd within earshot. “Do you ever see Hannah?”

“All the time at school,” I said curtly. “But we don’t talk. Sort of like how you didn’t talk to her once you left town.”

His lips formed a tight line and I sighed. I reached for his arm and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sorry, Zac. That’s really none of my business.”

He shrugged. “It’s all right.” He gave me a half-smile and loped off to mingle with a group of young actresses as I took Brendan’s arm and allowed him to whisk me away.

Things had changed once I returned to school after my accident. Everyone at school had found out, of course, and gradually, Hannah’s reign died and people began to talk to me. Hannah and I avoided each other and she’d stopped blogging about me. School dragged on just like in Chicago.

Things in Chicago were still strained. Dad’s new baby was due in a few weeks and although we’d talked, I still couldn’t totally get over the hurt. It was getting better – especially since Mom set me up with a counselor. At least my feelings toward the baby had changed. I’d finally realized that a tiny little baby couldn’t pick its parents and it had no control over its creation. I would love it – or her as we’d discovered – and be the best big sister I could. She would need it.

“Where are you?” Brendan whispered. "You look miles away."

I smiled up at him as my heart swelled. He was the one thing that hadn’t changed. He’d stuck beside me until I was recovered then started spending more time at home. Every weekend he spent in Ridgewood, near me. And my feelings for him grew.

“Just thinking about the baby,” I admitted. He nodded and kissed my check. “What time does the actual movie start?”

“I’m not really sure,” he said. “After all this stuff, I guess. The press will start taking pictures soon. They’ll make me pose with the other guys and the author and stuff.”

“I’ll just blend in with the background,” I said with a coy smile. I was getting good at it. After the initial confirmation that I was indeed his girlfriend, the press did follow us around a little. They’d asked for interviews, finding Grandpa’s phone number in the phone book, but my grandfather told them sternly that I would not speak to anyone until I was fully recovered. He took me aside later and advised me that it might be best to set up some sort of interview and get it out of the way. He figured they’d probably give me a little peace and quiet after that.

So, Brendan and I did do an interview with a reporter he trusted in a reputable magazine. Things had quieted down for the most part. The reporters had left Ridgewood but snapped pictures of us when we’d roam around downtown Chicago. It wasn’t horribly unbearable and I was adjusting. Besides, Brendan was worth it.

He left my side for pictures and dragged me in his arms when photographers asked for shots of us. He whispered in my ear that it was best to placate them than to refuse – they’d just snap them anyway.

We exited the theater hours later and climbed in the limo.

"What'd you think?" he asked as he tucked me in his arms.

"It was pretty good," I said, snuggling against his chest. The star was irritating but the supporting actor was pretty hot. I bet he wins an award."

He laughed and kissed my temple. "Whatever."

“What happens now?” I asked, still swept up in the glamour of L.A.

“Well,” he said as he pressed me closer. “We’ll go back to the hotel and change. Then, we can either hang out there or go to the after party. It’s up to you.”

“Will I get to spend all day tomorrow with you?” I asked as I leaned into him.

“Nothing could tear me away from you,” he professed as his lips brushed mine. My heart fluttered like it did every time he kissed me. “We’ll do whatever you want.”

It was hard to concentrate with his lips on mine. I was torn. One part of me wanted to change into my pajamas and hang out in either my room or his and watch movies but another part wanted to check out the party and meet his friends. Or stake my claim – show those starlets who he belonged to. A wry smile curled my lips. “The party.”

“Um hm,” he said. “And why is that?”

“Because I’d like to show you off,” I said capturing his lips with mine. “Show those fancy women that my man prefers plain girls like me.”

“Oh, but you’re wrong.”

I edged back, my brows furrowed in confusion. He grinned. “I am?”

“On two counts,” he said, amusement sparkling in his beautiful eyes. “One – there’s nothing plain about you. And secondly, I don’t prefer girls – just one. You.”

A slow smile spread across my lips as I tugged on his lapel. “I love you.”

He wrapped his arms around me. “I love you, too.” I sighed happily in his chest, thanking my mother for moving to that tiny, insignificant Indiana town.

A/N: sigh short and kinda corny but (as Marcus would probably say) it's a wrap. This was my third attempt at an epilogue and I'm still not crazy about it but I wanted to close this out and concentrate on Robby.

Thanks a bunch for the reviews.